What does "people of the global majority" mean?

We use "people of the global majority" (PGM) interchangeably with "people of color" (POC), since people of color represent over 80% of the world’s population. This wording points out the demographic inaccuracy of the euphemism "minority" and feels more empowering for some people.

AREN’T YOU BEING EXCLUSIVE IN HOLDING A SUMMIT FOR JUST PEOPLE OF COLOR?

PGM ONE is an affinity space for people of color/of the global majority, which means that it is not appropriate for people who identify as White to attend. Not being able to attend might make folks feel uncomfortable, and yet respecting this space is a huge way in which White folks can support racial equity work in the environmental movement. White people and people of color have work to do together, and work to do apart.

Affinity spaces like these are important because they allow people from marginalized communities to have dialogue and interactions that might not otherwise occur. Across the social justice movement, the importance and effectiveness of affinity spaces has been recognized in producing breakthrough results and positive outcomes.

If you’re a leader or hold the purse strings, let the staff of color in your organization know how you can financially support their participation.

Connect PGM ONE staff with potential sponsors. See the sponsorship kit here. Summit registration fees, travel, and lodging are some of the greatest barriers for some people from marginalized communities to participate in conferences like this.

During PGM ONE, commit to engaging other White colleagues in conversations around racial justice, whiteness, and White supremacy. (This should always be happening, but it can be a nice complement to the healing work colleagues of color and of the global majority will be engaging in during those 3 days).

Don’t let your support of PGM ONE be your only engagement with racial justice!

If you have a particular skill set or access to resources that may support the summit, get in touch with PGM ONE Summit Organizer Sophie Sarkar (info@pgmone.org).

Additional resources and actions that white allies can take can be found here.

WHAT DOES “INTERGENERATIONAL” MEAN? IS THIS FOR YOUTH/CHILDREN?

“Intergenerational” refers to the successive waves of leaders of color who continue to open doors for others with like identities to follow in their footsteps. Though we have no formal age limit, this event is intended for emerging and established professionals of color in the environmental and outdoor industry.

IF I AM MIXED RACE OR MULTIRACIAL, CAN I COME?

Yes! If you have ever felt marginalized or othered because of your racial identity then this conference is intended for you. A common example of othering is when a stranger asks “What are you?” upon first meeting you. The intention of a "What are you?" conversation is often to clarify or acknowledge a person's non-white racial status. This NPR piece on "racial imposter syndrome" addresses some identity-related challenges that some multiracial people face.

WE ARE A MIXED FAMILY. CAN WE ALL COME?

We respectfully ask that this conference remain a space for those who identify as people of color or people of the global majority.

WE ARE A FAMILY WITH A YOUNG CHILD. WILL THERE BE CHILDCARE?

The summit will not be providing childcare, though attendees are welcome to bring their children, so long as they remain responsible for them at all times.

SINCE YOU USE THE TERM “PEOPLE OF THE GLOBAL MAJORITY,” DOES THIS SUMMIT ADDRESS INTERNATIONAL OR GLOBAL ISSUES?

The summit largely focuses on issues that impact people of the global majority within North America, such as access to public lands, inclusive experiences in the outdoor and environmental space, cultural competency, and indigenous American perspectives. That said, participants from around the globe are welcome, as are proposals related to international topics that are also relevant to PGM in North America.

HOW DO I CONVINCE MY EMPLOYER TO SUPPORT MY REGISTRATION?

Please feel free to give your employer this letter explaining the importance of this summit. You can also reach out to PGM ONE Director Grace Anderson (partners@pgmone.org) who can make an appeal to your employer directly.